Shuey will soon join the growing ranks of new fathers at the club. The 28-year-old star midfielder is excited, but admits the mid to late September due date isn’t ideal as the Eagles chase what they hope will be a fruitful finals campaign.

Coach Adam Simpson knew Shuey and fiancee Dani Orlando were having a baby but an exchange in Sydney last month might just have had him worried.

“I said: ‘You know it is due late September.’ He shook his head and walked out of the elevator so I don’t think he’s too happy with me,” Shuey laughed.

“We’ve spoken about it and I’m sure it will all work out. It’s super exciting but it’s still a fair way away so I’m trying not to think about it at the moment.”

Jack Redden, Chris Masten, Jeremy McGovern and Will Schofield have also welcomed their first children this year. Jack Darling had a son last year.

“We talk about it,” Shuey said.

“It’s great that these guys are taking the next step in their lives. For so many years now we’ve sort of been the younger generation at the club and guys like Pridda (Matthew Priddis), Coxy (Dean Cox), Mark LeCras and Josh Kennedy … these guys have had kids and you watch on and just see their lives change.

“With the due date late in the footy season, it will give me 10 weeks of off-season to sort of get used to the whole routine of being a dad. I’m an early riser anyway most days so I’m hoping the sleep won’t be too much of an issue.”

Shuey, like Darling, Schofield, McGovern and Masten, is having a boy.

Fans could be forgiven for getting excited about future father-son recruits.

“There is something in the water, I think,” Shuey said.

“Even if he chooses to play soccer or ballet, whatever it is, I’m sure I’ll still be supportive.”

Shuey, who has been back to his best during consecutive wins in the past fortnight, is hoping his own month-long lay-off with a hamstring injury will keep him fresh for the rest of the campaign.

“I think everyone is normally a bit banged up at this time of year. I’m not, so hopefully that’s an advantage but we’ve still got a fair few months left,” he said.